COLCHESTER, Ill. (NEWS3) — The City of Colchester swore in two new aldermen and the former acting mayor after a special council meeting on Wednesday night.
Former acting Mayor and First Ward Alderwoman Francie Welch resigned from her aldermanic duties to become the new mayor of Colchester. Welch became the acting mayor when former Mayor-Pro-Tem and First Ward Alderman Kevin Bloomfield left the council on Oct. 7.
Welch was officially sworn in as mayor on Wednesday. She appointed two new aldermen to fill the vacancies left by her and Bloomfield.
Residents Will Terrill and Eric Haines were appointed by Welch to become first ward aldermen.
Residents might recognize Terrill’s name, after he ran for the alderman position against Bloomfield in the April election. Terrill lost by one vote.
He moved to the area from Aurora to attend Monmouth College. He graduated in 2014 and later moved to Colchester.
Terrill owns a bike repair shop in the town and works at a livestock farm north of Colchester.
Welch appointed Terrill to head the finance and legislative, and insurance and health committees for the city. He also will sit on the building and grounds and street and alley committees.
Haines moved to Colcheseter five years ago from Chicago with his wife of 14 years and five kids. His family moved to the area because his wife’s family owns a farm in Colchester.
Haines said he has been a firefighter and first responder in Colchester for the past four years.
Welch appointed Haines to the street and alley, police, finance and legislative and insurance and health committees.
Welch told NEWS3 there are currently no negotiations with any other outside police forces. She said the city is accepting applications for chief and part-time officers.
